Mark Barrow
Starting university often means moving to a new city where you probably don’t know anyone. But hey, university life is as much about personal growth as it is study, and meeting new people and making new friends will contribute massively to your uni experience.
Learning how to make new friends at university is important for lots of reasons:
Meeting new, likeminded people can help you to feel more connected and a part of your university community. Building relationships with others can give you a sense of belonging and make you feel more at home in your new city.
But, making new mates isn’t always easy, even for the most outgoing of us. So, with that in mind, we’ve created our top tips on how to make friends at university.
Join clubs and societies
The Universities and student unions in Liverpool have a wide range of clubs and organisations that you can join. This is a great way to meet people who share your interests and hobbies. These clubs cover a wide range of interests and activities, including but not limited to:
- Sports clubs: Both LJMU and Liverpool Uni have clubs for popular sports such as football, cricket, and even cheerleading. These clubs provide opportunities for students to compete against other universities and have fun playing the sport they love.
Find the current list of sports clubs at LJMU here
Find the current list os sports clubs at Liverpool uni here
- Cultural clubs: Many universities have clubs that focus on specific cultures or ethnicities. These clubs can be a great way for students to learn about different cultures or connect with others who share their own cultural background.
- Academic clubs: If your passion is all things academia then look for the clubs that concentrate on specific academic subjects, such as science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. These clubs can provide opportunities for students to learn more about their field of interest and connect with others who share their passion.
- Political clubs: These clubs can provide opportunities for students to learn about current events and get involved in advocacy and activism on campus and in their local community. For example, LJMU’s RIDE society which is dedicated to building an open, inclusive and supportive community of students or the Liverpool Politics Society who engage in stimulating debates regarding different political ideologies and domestic and international affairs.
- Religious clubs: Many universities have clubs that focus on specific religions or spiritual practices. These clubs can provide opportunities for students to make friends at university and connect with others who share their beliefs and participate in religious activities on campus.
Find the full list of cultural groups at Liverpool Uni here
Find the full list of groups and societies at LJMU here
Overall, the types of clubs that universities have can vary widely, but most universities offer a range of clubs and organisations that cater to a variety of interests and activities.
Make the most of the Freshers’ Events.
The universities in Liverpool hold an extensive range of Freshers’ events in September and into October that are open to all new and returning students.
Don’t miss the Freshers Fair where you’ll be able to meet representatives from all the different clubs and societies and sign up to any that peak your interest.
You can also make friends at University by getting involved with student union Welcome Events held over the Freshers period. In the past these have included quiz nights and trips to Roxy’s Ballroom for games of pool and ping pong.
Freshers events are always advertised on the SU pages:
Make a difference and volunteer.
A great way to meet likeminded people and make friends at university is to volunteer. There are loads of opportunities as the universities in Liverpool can link you in with the charities and causes that you are passionate about. For example, you could be a mentor on a youth advisory board or help the local community by joining the LFC Foundation.
It’ll look amazing on your CV after graduation too.
Here is the list of volunteering opportunities at LJMU
Here is the list of volunteering opportunities at Liverpool University
Be open to new experiences.
University is a time for trying new things and stepping out of your comfort zone. Be open to trying new activities and experiences, and you may be surprised by the friends you make along the way. By stepping out of your comfort zone at university you will have a rich and fulfilling college experience.
- Take on new challenges. University can be a challenging time, with new classes, exams, and responsibilities. Embrace these challenges and try to learn and grow from them.
- Travel. If you have the opportunity, try to travel to new places during your time at university. This can be a great way to step out of your comfort zone and learn about different cultures and ways of life. Organisations like Camp America can be a great way to travel and make new friends from across the world.
- Be open to change. University can be a time of change and growth, and it’s important to be open to new ideas and experiences. Be open to trying new things and stepping out of your comfort zone, and you may be surprised by what you learn and accomplish.
Be yourself.
When making friends at university, it’s important to be yourself. Don’t try to be someone you’re not in order to fit in – people will be more likely to like and trust you if you are genuine and authentic.
Here are some tips on how you can relax and be yourself around others:
- Before interacting with others, take some time to relax and collect your thoughts. This can help you to feel calmer and at ease when you are around others.
- Practice mindfulness. When around others, try to stay present and focused on the present moment. This can help you to be more relaxed and engaged in your interactions with others.
- Be authentic. Don’t try to be someone you’re not in order to fit in with others. Instead, be yourself and be genuine in your interactions with others. This will make you more comfortable and confident around others.
- Take care of yourself. Make sure to take care of your physical and mental health. This can help you to feel more relaxed and confident around others.
- Follow up. If you meet someone who you would like to be friends with, don’t be afraid to follow up with them afterwards. You could send them a message on social media, invite them to join you for a coffee, or suggest a fun activity that you could do together.
Learn to relax and be yourself around others and you will find it easier to build stronger relationships and enjoy a more fulfilling social life.
By following these tips, you can make friends at university and have a rich and fulfilling uni experience. So get out there and mingle! Good luck!
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